Sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones. This Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe is designed for the home cook who wants delicious, restaurant-style flavor without the fuss of complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. In just about 25 minutes, you can transform basic pantry staples—chicken breast, pasta, cream, and garlic—into a dish that tastes luxurious and satisfying. It is the perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights when you need a win in the kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
This recipe is all about high reward for low effort. The chicken and sauce are cooked in the same skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash at the end of the night. The flavors are classic and comforting: savory garlic, rich cream, and salty parmesan cheese come together to create a sauce that coats every noodle perfectly. It is a foolproof recipe that delivers consistent results every time you make it.
Family Friendly
If you have picky eaters at home, this creamy chicken pasta is a safe bet. The mild, creamy sauce is generally loved by kids, while the savory chicken makes it filling enough for adults. It is also incredibly versatile; you can easily sneak in some veggies like spinach or peas if you want to boost the nutritional content without changing the core flavor that everyone enjoys.
Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain.
- Season chopped chicken. Sear in olive oil until cooked. Remove.
- Sauté garlic in butter. Add broth and cream. Simmer 5 mins.
- Stir in cheese. Add chicken and pasta back to pan.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Boneless skinless chicken breasts are the protein of choice, seasoned with Italian seasoning for extra flavor. The sauce is a simple reduction of heavy cream and chicken broth, flavored with plenty of minced garlic. Parmesan cheese is added at the end to thicken the sauce and add that signature salty bite. Any short pasta like penne or rotini works best to hold the sauce.
Smart Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese. If you don’t have chicken breasts, chicken thighs work just as well and stay juicier. You can also use gluten-free pasta and the recipe will work perfectly, as there is no flour needed to thicken the sauce—the reduction and cheese do all the work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and toss them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mince your garlic and grate your parmesan cheese. Having everything prepped before you start cooking ensures the process is smooth and fast.
Cooking Phase
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta boils, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan. Add a little butter to the skillet and sauté the garlic for just 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the parmesan cheese, then add the chicken and drained pasta back to the pan. Toss to coat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Do not skip the deglazing step! After searing the chicken, the brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan are full of flavor. Adding the chicken broth allows you to lift these bits into the sauce, giving it a deeper, more savory taste. Also, let the cream simmer gently; if you boil it too hard, it can separate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Since it is cut into small pieces, it cooks very quickly—usually in just 5-6 minutes. Remove it from the pan as soon as it is done so it stays tender. Another mistake is rinsing the pasta. You want the starch on the noodles to help the sauce cling, so just drain it and toss it directly into the sauce.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve this pasta in bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. You can also add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. The creamy white sauce looks beautiful against the golden chicken and green herbs.
Pairing Suggestions
To balance the rich sauce, serve this with a side of Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers. The fresh vegetables provide a nice contrast to the creamy pasta. A simple green salad or garlic bread also makes great sides.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 580 | 29% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 105mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 750mg | 31% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this keep in the fridge?
Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Can I add broccoli?
Yes! Broccoli is a great addition. You can add the florets to the boiling pasta water for the last 3 minutes of cooking, then drain them with the pasta and toss everything together.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, the sauce itself is gluten-free as it uses reduction and cheese to thicken, not flour. Just be sure to use gluten-free pasta.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe proves that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a meal that is comforting, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week.
